Sunday, December 1, 2013

Go "White Christmas" With Sandy Zacky



Sandy Sings "White Christmas" @ CSUN

David Letterman has Darlene Love, Rockefeller Center and now The Grove in Los Angeles has it's tree lighting...here at "Entertain Me" we kick off Christmas with our resident Chanteuse, Sandy Zacky.

I had the honor of seeing Sandy with a "Y" not "E" sing "White Christmas" live at her one night only CSUN performance in 2009...she was amazing!

Thus she is my Christmas tradition. So without further adieu on this December 1st 2013 the Christmas Season begins with Sandy with a "Y" 
It's Christmas Time

As this review of Ms. Z states:

 ...Zacky is a cross between Rosemary Clooney and Ella Fitzgerald. She is a truly great singer with consummate phrasing... 

--DON GRIGWARE, GRIGWARE TALKS THEATRE

Go Sandy!

"I wish you all the happiest of Holidays" - Sandy Zacky

Peace.

Sing It Sandy! Listen To "White Christmas" Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueCuT6tB50E

Keep Up With Sandy At: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sandy-Zacky-Fan-Page/142692019103428

Be Part Of Her Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/sandyzacky?page_view_source=facebook_app

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving! Time For Turkey "Cleopatra"

I am "Cleopatra" Not Miss Cleo!

Yes it is that day of every year we are thankful, for family, friends, health and turkey!

So in honor of Turkey Day I present you, one of Hollywood's biggest Turkey's of all time - "Cleopatra" starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Yes I have seen it, and I needed major amounts of caffeine to stay awake. Was it worth it? Yes and No...The content was absolutely boring as Hell. But despite it being one of her worst performances ever Taylor was riveting and add to the fact that she was having a then scandalous extramarital affair with Burton added a whole extra dimension to it.

Taylor was an amazing actress whether she gave a great performance or not - Hey "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" co-starring the late great Paul Newman, are two of my favorite films of all time, and she was great in both them. However in this production her affair with Burton was the draw...
                                                           The Trailer For "Cleopatra"

Universe bless Ms. Taylor she had the extra balls to back herself as well - no actress had been paid one million dollars at the time, she did not want to do the film so she asked for it. Well, they paid it, and she did it because her thought was: If they were stupid enough to pay it to her, then she would do it.

Her legacy of being a humanitarian and a no BS woman will always be remembered, so this Thanksgiving Day I tip my hat to Elizabeth, and hope everyone finds what they need from the world and grab it by it's tail - whip it like Elizabeth, and gobble, gobble!

Check out Elizabeth's favorite charity AMFAR: http://www.amfar.org/

Monday, November 25, 2013

Miley Cyrus "Came In Like A Wrecking Ball" At The American Music Awards

Miley Cyrus Gives Good Face

I woke up this morning to an E-mail from David Zey from the band Ponyboy asking me this question:

"Dudebro. did you catch Miley's performance?" 

To quote him directly. Well no I didn't I thought Hmmmmmmm.....what did she do this time, I thought the only attention getting antic left for our Lady of Cyrus was a live sex show, I was wrong.


                                             "Wrecking Ball" American Music Awards

Her performance was brilliant last night! Let me explain why, because even though she had an adorable kitten singing along with her in some sort of cyberspace alternate reality who cried kitty tears at the climax of the song and she had her own eenie meenie teeny weeny kitten headed bikini on, this decidedly low key performance stunt, for Miley at least, brought full focus to what a truly talented singer she is. Her vocal performance and her ability to access her emotions while showcasing her abilities connected her talent as a singer, with the audience again.

Vocally and emotionally Ms. Cyrus knocked it out of the park!

Also for what it's worth, for some reason I can't really place my finger on, I found the kitten motif compelling and complimentary to the performer's agenda -

Say what you will about her Miley Cyrus really knows how to sing a song and make you take notice with or without the silly antics.

Go .Com With Miley at: http://www.mileycyrus.com/

Thursday, November 21, 2013

James Durbin's Single "Parachute" Lands Tomorrow!

James Rocks!

James Durbin’s Premiere Single, “Parachute” Available on iTunes Friday, November 22
“Parachute”To Stream Exclusively on RyanSeacrest.com Starting Today
James Also Announces Title for His Sophomore CD Release “CELEBRATE”- due - April 8, 2014
“CELEBRATE” Pre-Order Begins Friday, November 22
James to Attend American Music Awards Red Carpet pre-show Sunday, November 24.

Attention Durbinators! Yes YOU Durbinators, James Durbin's single "Parachute" lands tomorrow on iTunes !
Also it is Now streaming on Ryan Seacrest's site...
You go James!

Need more reason to celebrate? Well the title of his latest CD just happens to be that very word: "Celebrate" - Get to it Durbinators !!


Parachute,” the first single from James Durbin’s forthcoming Wind-up Records CD release will be available for purchase via iTunes this Friday, November 22 for a  limited time price of .69 cents.  RyanSeacrest.com will stream “Parachute” exclusively for 24 hours beginning today Thursday, November 21.   Listen here:http://bit.ly/17uMUzu
“Parachute” showcases new territory for James leaning more on sing-a-long choruses with crisp pop-rock hooks while still letting his powerful and energetic voice shine.  “Parachute was the 10th song I wrote for the new album and as soon as we finished in the studio I knew it had to be the first single.  I can’t wait for everyone to hear it” said James. 

A lyric video for “Parachute” is also scheduled to debut in December on James’ VEVO channel on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/DurbinRockVEVO.  “Parachute” will impact Hot AC & Top 40 radio in January 2014. 

James Durbin has also announced that CELEBRATE has been chosen as the official album title for his sophomore CD release, Wind-up Records will release CELEBRATE on April 8, 2014.

In addition, a robust album pre-order campaign for CELEBRATE will begin Friday, November 22, featuring four exclusive offers: 1. Autographed album.  2. Autographed album & exclusive National Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) Charity shirt - $5 from each sale is donated to the TSA http://tsa-usa.org. 3. Autographed album & exclusive “CELEBRATE” bracelet.  4. Autographed album & exclusive hoodie & Limited edition autographed canvas photo print.  All orders will automatically grant fans access to exclusive VIP opportunities with James, and all orders include an instant download of the new single “Parachute.”

James is also confirmed to attend the American Music Awards Red Carpet pre-show this Sunday, November 24, where he will make a special appearance to debut an exclusive video clip featuring “Parachute” and reveal details about his April 8, 2014 CD release in the 5:00 p.m. EDT/2:00 p.m. PST hour.  Fans can log on at Yahoo.com, TheAMAS.com, ABC.com, and Cocacola.com to watch it live. 

“Parachute” is the first new music from James since his last two singles “Love Me Bad” and “Stand Up” were released in 2011.  “Love Me Bad” cracked the Top 30 at Hot AC/Top 40 radio while the anthemic NFL rock single “Stand Up” landed in the Top 20.  “Stand Up” was an official NFL anthem used on jumbotrons nationwide during the NFL’s 2011-12 seasons. Both tracks were featured on his debut release Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album chart and #36 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart. MOAB has sold over 120,000 copies to date and was named one of Billboard’s Best Rock Albums of 2012.

James, who co-wrote 10 of the albums 11 tracks is busy putting the finishing touches on CELEBRATE with producer Scott Stevens.  In advance of the full CD release on April 8, 2014, James will be making several high profile appearances including the above mentioned American Music Awards Red Carpet pre-show on 11/24.  

He also recently performed alongside Dave Grohl and Ryan Bingham at the “Autism Speaks – Blue Jean Ball” in Los Angeles and co-hosted with Lance Bass on the American Music Awards on Demand webshow.  Click here to watch James’ “AMA’s on Demand” segment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HInSRmWYqjY 
  
Follow James on - 

Monday, November 18, 2013

What "Nobody Said" To Aiden Leslie


Aiden Leslie is not a stranger to this blog from his singles "Trying To Leave Now" and "Diamond Dreams" to well just popping up because he is a fun friend of mine.

So it is no surprise since Mr. Leslie has a new single out, "Nobody Said" that I am making all of you aware of it and asked Aiden to tell me something that nobody ever said to him that he wishes they had, and here is what "Nobody Said" to him:

"No matter what, it's you and only you...and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that it stays that way"....

Very interesting Aiden, I must say, so simple, yet quite powerful, much like your songs. Maybe you should be a songwriter, oh yeah, you are...lol!


Aiden Does Atlanta
Check out Aiden's latest below, he has one of the best falsetto's I have ever heard and the song is quite reminiscent of one of his favorite bands, 80's sensation Erasure. Yes, thats right, Erasure's fingerprints are all over the latest from Leslie, the band is someone who influences him greatly and he has paid homage to more than once.

OK, enough with the hyperbole, hit it Aiden!

Listen to "Nobody Said":

http://youtu.be/QrKEUBoirSA

Buy it on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/aiden-leslie/id253301266

Get Busy With Aiden at: 

http://aidenleslie.com/

Saturday, November 16, 2013

You're "Crusin' For A Brusin'" - Pentatonix Hits The Beach

Want A Brusin'?
It's official I am Pentatonix Bitch! Hey and why not, they are the best thing to come along in music in a long effen time! 
So to keep my title I think it is my duty to inform you that they will be appearing in a special airing of "Teen Beach Movie" tomorrow, November 17th at 8pm on the Disney Channel.
Here is the official video for their song from it "Crusin' For A Brusin'"
You go PTX!
                                            "Crusin' For A Brusin'"
Get Bruised at: http://www.ptxofficial.com/

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Pentatonix Shoots & Scores...Their First Top 10 Debut !

We' Made The Top 10, Yes!
Pentatonix Scores Their First Top 10 Debut with PTX Volume 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart  
Album Debuts #1 on Billboard’s Independent Album Chart
Group Kicks Off 2014 North American Tour on February 4
Video for “Daft Punk” Eclipses 13 Million Views in its First Week
PTXmas (Deluxe Edition) To Be Released November 19

That's right all you PTX fans - Pentatonix has shot and scored their first Billboard Top 10 debut, coming in at number 10, for the very first time....
 
 Vocal sensations Pentatonix, have scored their first Top 10 debut on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart with their latest PTX Volume 2 release from Madison Gate Records, landing at #10 with over 30,000 in CD sales. The album also topped Billboard’s Independent Artist Chart.

PTX Volume 2 features a 7-song Daft Punk medley, its video released via the group’s YouTube Channel has already garnered 13 million views in its first week. The iTunes version of the album alsofeatures a medley of the  Swedish House Mafia hits “Save The World” and “Don’t Worry Child” as an iTunes album-only bonus track. 
Watch “Daft Punk” Here: http://youtu.be/3MteSlpxCpo

Watch “Save The World / Don’t Worry Child” Here: http://bit.ly/SHMCptx
PTX Volume 2 follows the group’s two 2012 Madison Gate Records Releases – PTX Volume 1 and PTXmas – both debuting on Billboard’s Top 200 and selling more than 125,000 albums to date.  The new release features 8 brand new tracks, including 3 original songs, 4 covers and a modern twist on the classic “Hit The Road Jack.”

“We knew from the start that PTX Vol 2 would do well, but the reception the album has received has greatly exceeded our expectations,” said Madison Gate Records executive Shelly Bunge.  “This just goes to show that there continues to be a strong market for innovative and cutting-edge a cappella music and Pentatonix is leading the way.” Shelly Bunge – Executive In Charge for Madison Gate Records

Pentatonix will also release a deluxe version of PTXmas, titled PTXmas (Deluxe Edition), with 2 bonus tracks on Tuesday, November 19 via Madison Gate Records. The Deluxe Edition holiday album will include brand new recordings of “Little Drummer Boy” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”  

Pentatonix kicked off their PTX Volume 2 release week with a performance on Ellen.  The performance can be seen here: http://www.ellentv.com/2013/11/04/pentatonix-performs-evolution-of-beyonce/ The group was also featured on CNN Headline News http://www.hlntv.com/video/2013/11/08/cappella-pentatonix-sing and on 

ABC World News with Diane Sawyer in the highly coveted “Persons of the Week” segment.  Click here to watch:http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/amazing-success-story-testament-giving-20834572    Next up, Pentatonix is set to perform on The Queen Latifah Show December 9. 

Pentatonix are currently overseas on their very first – and completely sold out – European tour.  The group have also announced dates for their upcoming North American headline tour. The initial run of dates will begin February 4, 2014 and go through April 2014, and will include shows at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as, at Oakland’s Fox Theater and New York City’s Beacon Theatre.  All tickets and limited VIP Packages – including meet & greets, access to soundcheck, exclusive merchandise and even a private performance – are available at http://www.ptxofficial.com/tour.

Online, the Pentatonix YouTube channel boasts over 180 million views, buoyed by more than2.2 Million subscribers, and is one of the Top 100 most subscribed-to music channels. The group also has more than 600,000 Facebook fans and nearly 160,000 Twitter followers.  
Additionally, the group’s a cappella opus – “Evolution Of Music” – has now eclipsed 23 million YouTube views. The video spans 1,000 years of music in just 4 minutes, includes some of the most popular songs from the last dozen centuries and has been featured by The Huffington Post, Mashable and the Yahoo! homepage.

Watch “Evolution Of Music” Here: http://bit.ly/EvolutionPTX
Pentatonix have appeared on countless television shows, including Ellen, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, the American Music Awards red carpet show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Larry King Now, and have been chosen to appear in an upcoming episode of the new season of “Sesame Street,” which will air on February 7, 2014.

Full track listing for PTX Vol 2
1
Can’t Hold Us
2
Natural Disaster
3
Love Again
4
Valentine
5
Hey Momma/Hit The Road Jack
6
I Need Your Love
7
Run to You
8
Daft Punk
9
Save The World / Don't You Worry Child [iTunes Exclusive Bonus Track]
 
2014 U.S. Tour Dates
February
4                         Midwestern State University          Wichita Falls, TX
5                         Cain’s Ballroom                              Tulsa, OK
6                          Gillioz Theatre                               Springfield, MO
8                          Chicago Theatre                         Chicago, IL
9                          Egyptian Room                            Indianapolis, IN
11                        Milwaukee Riverside Theatre      Milwaukee, WI
12                        State Theater                               Minneapolis, MN
15                        Paramount Theatre                      Denver, CO
17                         The Complex-Rockwell                Salt Lake City, UT
19                         Vogue Theater                            Vancouver, BC
20                          Paramount Theatre                     Seattle, WA
22                          Fox Theater                                 Oakland, CA
23                          Grand Sierra Resort                     Reno, NV
25                           Soma                                           San Diego
26                           House of Blues                            Las Vegas, NV
27                           Rialto Theatre                              Tucson, AZ
March
1                             Orpheum Theatre                        Los Angeles, CA
19                           Peabody Opera House               St. Louis, MO
20                           Robinson Center Music Hall       Little Rock, AR
22                           Ryman Auditorium                      Nashville, TN
23                           Iron City                                      Birmingham, AL
25                           Hard Rock Live                           Orlando, FL
26                           Georgia Theatre                          Athens, GA
27                           The Fillmore                               Charlotte, NC
29                           DAR Constitution Hall               Washington DC
30                          The Electric Factory                   Philadelphia, PA
April
1                             The College of New Jersey        Ewing Township, NJ
3                             Beacon Theatre                          New York, NY
5 & 6                       House of Blues                           Boston, MA
8                             Danforth Music Hall                     Toronto, ON
9                             UB Center for the Arts                Buffalo, NY